Technologies for sanitizing reservoirs

ABSTRACT

Technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) for sanitizing reservoirs are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include a sanitization gas system and a connector unit or a hole in the reservoir wall, configured to connect a supply line to the reservoir. The connector unit may include an inlet passageway for supplying sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the reservoir.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to systems and devices for sanitizing reservoirs with a sanitizing gas. Methods of sanitizing reservoirs are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of devices include reservoirs for holding water and/or another liquid. Depending on the device, water may be drawn from the reservoir for various end uses. For example, many coffee makers include a water reservoir that holds water that is used to make coffee on demand. Medical devices such as continuous positive airway pressure devices, ventilators, and the like may also include one or more water reservoirs, e.g., for humidifying air administered to a patient. Humidifiers may also include a reservoir for the purpose of holding water that is used to humidify air.

Bacteria, mold, viruses and/or other contaminants may grow or otherwise accumulate within a reservoir, particularly if the reservoir is infrequently cleaned and/or water therein is allowed to remain stagnant for long periods (e.g. days) before it is replaced or replenished with fresh water. Despite this risk, users of devices that include a reservoir often do not clean the reservoir or replenish the reservoir with fresh water when the water therein has been sitting for a long period of time.

The foregoing issues are compounded by the fact that many commonly recommended methods for the reservoir of a device can be messy, time consuming, and inconvenient. For example, the user guide of some devices with reservoirs may recommend cleaning the reservoir and/or other components of the machine using a cleaning solution that is a mixture of water and vinegar. Such methods can be inconvenient, as they often require the user to prepare the cleaning solution themselves. Moreover, such a cleaning solution may not effectively kill some types of water born mold and/or bacteria, and therefore may inadequately sanitize the reservoir of a device. Other commonly recommended methods of cleaning a device with a reservoir include manual washing, scrubbing, and drying of the reservoir, which are often time consuming and considered to be undesirable to consumers.

Accordingly the inventors have identified that there is a continued interest in the development of novel devices, systems, and methods for sanitizing all or a portion of devices with reservoirs, including but not limited to the water reservoir of a device and any water therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made to the following detailed description which should be read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating sanitizing gas flow between a reservoir sanitizing system and a reservoir, consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating sanitizing gas flow between a reservoir sanitizing system and a reservoir, consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating sanitizing gas flow between a reservoir sanitizing system and a reservoir, consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another example of a reservoir sanitizing system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a reservoir sanitizing system consistent with the present disclosure, as installed in a reservoir.

FIG. 3 is a general diagram showing another example of a gas sanitizing system consistent with the present disclosure, fluidly coupled to a reservoir.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of example operations of an example reservoir sanitization method consistent with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As explained in the background consumers may rarely clean devices with reservoirs. Bacteria, mold and other contaminants may therefore grow or otherwise accumulate within the reservoir. Although there are various known methods for cleaning reservoirs, such methods are often inconvenient, messy, time-consuming, etc., and therefore may be rarely performed. Such methods may also inadequately clean and/or sanitize the reservoir and any water therein. The inventors have therefore identified that there is a need in the art for technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) that enable convenient, easy and effective sanitization of reservoirs.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods for sanitizing a reservoir of a device, such as a hot beverage maker, humidifier, animal watering machine, soda fountain, medical device or the like. The devices, systems and methods generally include a connector unit that is configured to couple to a port or other opening on the reservoir. The connector unit is configured to facilitate the provision of a sanitizing gas such as ozone into the reservoir, and the removal of the sanitizing gas from the reservoir. As will be described in detail later, the devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure are particularly useful for sanitizing a liquid reservoir of the above mentioned types of devices, as well as components that are in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir (e.g., a bottom tray, mist channels, etc.). It should be understood however that the technologies described herein are not limited to the specific applications described herein, and may be utilized to sanitize any type of reservoir.

Although the technologies described herein can be used with many sanitizing gases, the present disclosure focuses on the use of ozone as a sanitizing gas. This is because ozone (O₃) gas is an effective sanitizer, yet is relatively safe for consumer use. Indeed because of its strongly oxidizing properties, ozone can effectively kill or otherwise remove a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants such as yeasts, bacteria, molds, viruses, other pathogens, and/or pollutants with which it comes into contact, e.g., via oxidation. Yet naturally over time and/or as it oxidizes contaminants, ozone may be chemically reduced to oxygen (O₂), which is safe for human consumption and for release into the environment. Ozone is also relatively easy to generate on site (and thus does not require the use of a storage tank), and leaves little or no chemical residue. For those and other reasons, ozone has been identified as a safe and effective sanitizing gas for use in the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the technologies described herein are not limited to the use of ozone, and may be employed with a wide variety of sanitizing gases.

As used herein, the term “fluidly coupled” means that two or more components are connected to one another such that a gas may be conveyed between them. In contrast, the term “coupled” when used alone means that two or more components are connected to one another chemically (e.g., via an adhesive), mechanically (e.g., via fasteners, mechanical interference, etc.), or by other means.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to systems for sanitizing a reservoir, e.g., of a device. The systems described herein generally include a gas supply system, a connector unit configured to couple to a reservoir, and an exhaust system. More specifically, the connector unit is configured to be installed within an opening or “hole” in a portion of a reservoir, such as but not limited to a wall, cover, or bottom thereof. The opening in the reservoir may be part of a design of the reservoir (e.g., an inlet or outlet hole), or may be formed in the reservoir in another manner (e.g., by drilling, cutting, boring, etc. through a portion of the reservoir. In any case, the connector unit is configured such that it spans through a thickness of the portion of the reservoir when it is installed in the opening, with a proximal end of the connector unit disposed outside the reservoir, and a distal end of the connector unit inside the reservoir.

The gas supply system is configured to generate a sanitizing gas, such as but not limited to ozone. In addition, the gas supply system is configured to be fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the connector unit, e.g., directly or via a supply line. In either case, sanitizing gas generated by the gas supply system may be conveyed through an inlet passageway in the connector unit to an interior of the reservoir. In some instances, a first supply line may be used, and may have a proximal end coupled to the gas supply system and a distal end fluidly coupled to the proximal end of an inlet passageway in the connector unit. In such instances, sanitizing gas input into the first supply line from the gas supply system may be conveyed into a through the inlet passageway, and into the reservoir. In some instances, a second supply line may be used, and may have a proximal end that is fluidly coupled to the distal end of the inlet passageway. In such instances the distal end of the second supply line may be disposed within the reservoir, e.g., below a level of any liquid contained therein. In either case, sanitizing gas may be conveyed into the reservoir.

The exhaust system is generally configured to draw (e.g., excess) sanitizing gas out of the reservoir. In embodiments, the exhaust system is fluidly coupled to the reservoir (e.g., via the connector unit or another opening), and includes a pump that is configured to draw the sanitizing gas out of the reservoir and to a filter. When used, the filter may absorb or destroy the sanitizing gas or destroy it, e.g., by converting it to another composition. In instances where ozone is the sanitizing gas, for example, the filter may be configured to absorb ozone and/or convert it to oxygen. Non-limiting examples of suitable filters that may be used for that purpose include activated carbon filters and magnesium oxide filters. Put in other terms, the exhaust system may be disposed within or external to the reservoir, such that the sanitizing gas is not discharged into the environment.

FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B are block diagrams illustrating sanitizing gas flow between a reservoir sanitizing system and a reservoir, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in each of FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, the reservoir 100 includes a sanitizing gas system 101 and a connector unit 103. The sanitizing gas system 101 is fluidly coupled to the connector unit 103 such that it can provide a gas inflow (gas in) to the connector unit 103. The connector unit 103 is fluidly coupled to a reservoir 105 including a liquid (e.g., water). As shown, the sanitizing gas system 101 may supply an inflow of sanitizing gas (Gas in) such as ozone to the connector unit 103. The inflow of sanitizing gas passes through the connector unit 103 into the reservoir 105. More particularly, in embodiments the inflow of sanitizing gas is conveyed from the connector unit 103 to beneath a surface of the liquid in the reservoir.

At least a portion of the sanitizing gas supplied by the gas inflow may sanitize the liquid in the reservoir (if any), as well as portions of the reservoir that are below the level of the liquid (if any). In addition, at least a portion of the sanitizing gas supplied by the gas inflow may evolve from the liquid into the air 108 within the reservoir 105 and sanitize the portion of the reservoir 105 that is above the level of the liquid. Excess sanitizing gas within the reservoir 105 may be converted to another composition and/or be removed from the interior of the reservoir 105 via a gas outflow (gas out).

In that regard, FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B primarily differ in the manner in which an exhaust system 109 is implemented for safe removal of the sanitizing gas. As shown in such FIGS., the exhaust system 109 may: be or include a filter that is located within the reservoir 105 (as shown in FIG. 1); be external to the reservoir such that the gas continues to migrate in an enclosed environment until it reaches the exhaust system (as shown in FIG. 1A); or may be integrated into the connector unit 103 (as shown in FIG. 1B). In embodiments, the exhaust system 109 may be configured to remove the sanitizing gas and/or convert the excess sanitizing gas to another composition, as discussed previously.

FIGS. 2 and 2A are block diagrams of one example of a reservoir sanitizing system consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, the reservoir sanitizing system includes a sanitizing gas system 201 that is fluidly coupled to a connector unit 203 having a proximal end 203′. In this embodiment, the sanitizing gas system 201 includes a gas supply including a pump 204 and a gas generator 206. The gas generator 206 is configured to generate a sanitizing gas, such as ozone or another sanitizing gas. The pump 204 (e.g., an air pump) is configured to generate a flow of air to convey the air to the ozone generator 206 and then sanitizing gas to a proximal end of a first supply line 202. The distal end of the first supply line 202 is coupled to the proximal end 203′ of the connector unit.

The connector unit 203 includes an inlet passageway and is generally configured to be installed or pre-formed within a portion of a reservoir 205, such as but not limited to a wall, bottom, top, or cover of a reservoir. When so installed, the connector unit 203 spans through a thickness of a portion of reservoir 205, such that the proximal end 203′ is exterior to the reservoir 205 and the distal end 203″ of the connector unit 203 is inside the reservoir 205, as best shown in FIG. 2A. A second supply line 202′ is fluidly coupled to the proximal end 203′ of the connector unit 203, as also shown in FIG. 2A. The second supply line 202′ is configured to convey a sanitizing gas supplied through the inlet passageway of the connector unit 203 to the interior of the reservoir 205, e.g., below the surface of any liquid (e.g., water) 207 therein.

As discussed above, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 2A the sanitizing gas system 201 (and, more particularly, the gas generator 206) is fluidly coupled to the interior of reservoir 205 by the first supply line 202, the connector unit 203, and the second supply line 202′. In other embodiments the inlet passageway of the connector unit 203 may be configured such that a single supply line may be passed there through. In such embodiments, the proximal end of the supply line may be coupled to the gas generator 206, an intermediate portion of the supply line may pass through the inlet passageway in the connector unit 203, and a distal end of the supply line may be disposed inside the reservoir 205, e.g., below a surface 217 of any liquid 207 therein.

That concept is shown in FIG. 3, which depicts another example of a reservoir sanitizing system consistent with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3 a single supply line 302 may be used to supply a sanitizing gas 335 into a reservoir 305 (instead of a first and second supply lines 202, 202′ as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A). Moreover in this embodiment, the connector unit includes or is in the form of a sealing element 325 that is configured to couple to an inward facing surface of a hole 320 in a wall, top, or bottom of a reservoir 305. The sealing element may be in the form of a grommet or other suitable sealing element. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the sealing element 325 is a grommet having a first sealing portion 325′ that is disposed exterior to the reservoir 305 and second sealing portion 325″ that is disposed internal to the reservoir 305. In embodiments, the sealing element 325 is configured such that a water and/or gas tight seal is present between the sealing element 325 and the inward facing surface of hole 320. The sealing element may also have a hole or passage there through, which may be configured to allow a distribution line to be passed there through, as shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the reservoir sanitizing system includes a supply line 302. The supply line 302 is configured to be inserted through the hole 320 such that a distal end thereof is located within the reservoir 305, e.g., below a surface of any liquid 307 (e.g. water) therein. The proximal end of the supply line 302 is fluidly connected to a gas sanitization system 301 (and, more particularly to gas generator 306). The gas sanitization system 301 includes a pump 304 (e.g., an air pump) fluidly coupled to a gas generator 306. In operation, the gas generator 306 may generate a sanitizing gas 335 which may be conveyed into supply line 302 via a flow of air generated by the pump 304. The sanitizing gas 335 may be conveyed through the supply line 302 into the reservoir 305.

An optional check valve 331 may be provided on a distal portion of supply line 302. When used, the optional check valve is generally configured to prevent a backflow of liquid 307 into the supply line 302. An optional sensor (not shown) may also be provided to sense a presence and/or concentration of sanitizing gas (e.g. ozone gas) within the interior of reservoir 305 and/or within supply line 302. In some embodiments the sensor (when used) may be configured to provide a signal to a user interface, wherein the signal causes the user interface to indicate whether or not a safe level of the sanitizing gas is present in the reservoir 305, and/or to indicate when the reservoir is safe to use.

The sanitizing gas system 301 further includes an exhaust system (not separately shown), which is fluidly coupled to the reservoir. The exhaust system may include a removable filter coupled to the reservoir 305 that may work to absorb or convert the excess sanitizing gas to another composition, such an activated carbon filter. In embodiments the exhaust system may be configured as a removable part of the connector unit 325, such that supply line 302 may still pass through the connector unit 325 and excess gas in the reservoir 305 may be exhausted through an outlet passageway in the connector unit 325. In other embodiments the exhaust system may be external to the reservoir 305, and may be fluidly coupled to the reservoir in another manner (e.g., via a second hole in the reservoir, an outlet line, etc.). In either case the exhaust system may include a pump (e.g., a vacuum pump) to draw sanitizing gas out of the reservoir 305, and a filter to absorb and/or convert sanitizing gas to another composition, as previously described.

When the distal end 330 of the supply line 302′ is disposed beneath a surface 317 of a liquid 307 within the reservoir 305, the sanitizing gas 335 may be introduced into the liquid 107. In such instances a portion of the sanitizing gas 335 may sanitize the liquid 307 and the portions of the reservoir 305 that are below surface 317. In addition, at least a portion of the sanitizing gas 335 may evolve from the liquid 307 into the air 337 within the reservoir 305, whereupon the sanitizing gas 335 may sanitize the air 337 and the interior surfaces of the walls 351 and cover 355. Likewise in instances where the distal end 330 is be disposed above surface 317, and/or no liquid 307 may be present within reservoir 305, the sanitizing gas 335 may sanitizing the air 337 and exposed surfaces of the walls 351, cover 355, and bottom 353.

During the sanitization of reservoir 305, all or a portion of the sanitizing gas 335 may be converted to another composition. For example in instances where the sanitizing gas is ozone, all or a portion of the ozone may be converted to oxygen during the sanitization of the reservoir 305. However, excess sanitizing gas 335 may be present within the air 337, and may need to be removed or exhausted in order for the reservoir to be safely used. A filter may be configured to remove all or a portion of the sanitizing gas 335 conveyed thereto. For example, a filter may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the sanitizing gas 335. Alternatively or additionally, the filter may be configured to convert the sanitizing gas to another composition, such as a composition that is acceptable for human inhalation and/or exhaust into the environment. In instances where the sanitizing gas 335 is ozone, for example, the filter may be configured to convert all or a portion of the sanitizing gas to oxygen. Non-limiting examples of suitable filters that may be used as filter for converting ozone to oxygen include activated carbon filters, magnesium oxide filters, combinations thereof, and the like.

For the sake of clarity and ease of understanding, it is noted that FIG. 3 depicts a reservoir 305 in combination with the reservoir sanitizing system 301, but it should be understood that the reservoir sanitizing systems described herein need not include the reservoir. Indeed, the systems described herein may be used with any suitable reservoir, and are not limited to use with reservoirs consistent with those illustrated in the figures.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods for sanitizing a reservoir. In that regard reference is made to FIG. 4, which is a flow chart of example operations of one example of a reservoir sanitization method consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, the method 400 begins at block 401. The method may then advance to optional block 403, pursuant to which reservoir sanitizing system with the present disclosure may be installed through a connector unit or a hole in a reservoir, such that the distal end of the supply line traverses the wall of the reservoir and the proximal end of the supply line is fluidly coupled to the a gas generator.

Following the operations of block 403 or if block 403 is omitted (e.g. where a reservoir sanitizing system is embedded in a cover), the method may proceed to block 405. Pursuant to block 405 a sanitizing gas may be provided into a reservoir via a supply line e.g., as described above. Thus for example, operations pursuant to block 405 may include generating a sanitizing gas with a gas generator, causing the sanitizing gas to flow into a supply line, and into the reservoir, as previously described. At least a portion of the sanitizing gas so provided may sanitize the interior of the reservoir, including any liquid (e.g., water therein).

The method may then advance to block 407, pursuant to which excess sanitizing gas may be removed from the interior of the reservoir. Consistent with the foregoing description, operations pursuant to block 407 may include drawing sanitizing gas from the interior of the reservoir into an exhaust system. The operations pursuant to block 407 may also include conveying the sanitizing gas to a filter, as discussed above.

Following the operations of block 407 the method may proceed to block 409, pursuant to which a decision may be made as to whether the method is to continue. The outcome of the decision block 409 may be contingent on a sensor signal provided, e.g., by an optional sensor or on some other criteria. In any case if the method is to continue it may loop back to block 405, but if not, the method may proceed to block 411 and end.

The following examples pertain to additional non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

EXAMPLES Example 1

According to this example there is provided a system for sanitizing a device with a reservoir, including: a gas supply system including a pump and a gas generator, the gas supply system configured to supply a sanitizing gas; a connector unit including an inlet passageway, the inlet passageway including a proximal end and a distal end; a first supply line having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first supply line is fluidly coupled to the gas supply system and the distal end of the first supply line is fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the inlet passageway; a second supply line including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second supply line is coupled to the distal end of the inlet passageway; and an exhaust system configured to remove the sanitizing gas; wherein the connector unit is configured to span a thickness of a portion of a reservoir when it is installed into the portion, such that the proximal end of the inlet passageway is external to the reservoir and the distal end of the inlet passageway is inside the reservoir.

Example 2

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein the exhaust system includes a removable activated carbon filter.

Example 3

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, and further includes a check valve coupled to the second supply line.

Example 4

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1 and further includes a sensor for sensing sanitization gas in the reservoir.

Example 5

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone gas.

Example 6

According to this example there is provided a system for sanitizing a device with a reservoir with a water reservoir comprising: a gas supply system including a pump and a gas generator, the gas supply system configured to supply a sanitizing gas; a sealing element configured to form a water-tight seal with an opening in the reservoir, the sealing element having an opening there through; a supply line having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is fluidly coupled to the gas supply system, an intermediate portion of the supply line is configured to extend through the opening in the sealing element such that the distal end of the supply line is disposed within the reservoir when the sealing element is installed within the opening; and an exhaust system configured to remove the sanitizing gas.

Example 7

This example includes any or all of the features of example 6, wherein the exhaust system includes a removable filter.

Example 8

This example includes any or all of the features of example 7, wherein the removable filter is a removable activated carbon filter or a removable magnesium oxide filter.

Example 9

This example includes any or all of the features of example 6, and further includes a check valve coupled to between the distal end and the intermediate portion of the supply line.

Example 10

This example includes any or all of the features of example 6, and further includes a sensor for sensing sanitization gas in the reservoir.

Example 11

This example includes any or all of the features of example 6, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone gas.

Example 12

According to this example there is provided a method for sanitizing a reservoir, comprising: installing a connector unit into a hole in a portion of a reservoir, the connector unit including an inlet passageway including a proximal end and a distal end; fluidly coupling the proximal end of the inlet passageway to a gas supply system configured to supply a sanitizing gas; causing a sanitizing gas to flow into the reservoir via the connector unit; and exhausting the sanitizing gas from the reservoir.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for sanitizing a device with a reservoir, comprising: a gas supply system comprising a pump and a gas generator, the gas supply system configured to supply a sanitizing gas; a connector unit comprising an inlet passageway, the inlet passageway comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a first supply line having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first supply line is fluidly coupled to the gas supply system and the distal end of the first supply line is fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the inlet passageway; a second supply line comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second supply line is coupled to the distal end of the inlet passageway; and an exhaust system configured to remove the sanitizing gas; wherein the connector unit is configured to span a thickness of a portion of a reservoir when it is installed into said portion, such that the proximal end of the inlet passageway is external to the reservoir and the distal end of the inlet passageway is inside the reservoir.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust system comprises a removable activated carbon filter.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a check valve coupled to the second supply line.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for sensing sanitization gas in the reservoir.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone gas.
 6. A system for sanitizing a device with a reservoir with a water reservoir, comprising: a gas supply system comprising a pump and a gas generator, the gas supply system configured to supply a sanitizing gas; a sealing element configured to form a water-tight seal with an opening in the reservoir, the sealing element having an opening there through; a supply line having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is fluidly coupled to the gas supply system, an intermediate portion of the supply line is configured to extend through the opening in the sealing element such that the distal end of the supply line is disposed within the reservoir when the sealing element is installed within the opening; and an exhaust system configured to remove the sanitizing gas.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the exhaust system comprises a removable filter.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the removable filter is a removable activated carbon filter or a removable magnesium oxide filter.
 9. The system of claim 6, further comprising a check valve coupled to between the distal end and the intermediate portion of the supply line.
 10. The system of claim 6, further comprising a sensor for sensing sanitization gas in the reservoir.
 11. The system of claim 6, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone gas.
 12. A method for sanitizing a reservoir, comprising: installing a connector unit into a hole in a portion of a reservoir, the connector unit comprising an inlet passageway comprising a proximal end and a distal end; fluidly coupling the proximal end of the inlet passageway to a gas supply system configured to supply a sanitizing gas; causing a sanitizing gas to flow into the reservoir via the connector unit; and exhausting the sanitizing gas from the reservoir. 